I took yesterday off - except for some music.

Yesterday, one of our Cats died. She was a gentle, loving, Lilac Point Siamese senior citizen cat, adopted from our local shelter.

Her previous owner must have either died or been unable to care for her - and we were so lucky to have her for the last four years of her life.

When we first got her, we were told she was a special needs cat. Many of her teeth were gone, and her kidneys were failing. She also had a wheeze, like a smoker who did two or more packs a day, and truly FOUL breath (related to her kidneys).

Our Vet put her on a strict medical regimen - BUT - she refused to take her pills. Not only refused, but REFUSED!! She dislocated a rear leg trying to avoid "the piller".

After a while we found a way. Backing her into a corner, holding just her head, then a quick strike, followed by a quick squirt of water from a syringe.

That worked, until we found a neat little pile of once soggy pills in an out of the way corner.

At that point, we realized she would live with us on her terms.

She thrived. Our Lilly gained weight, the cough diminished, she looked sleek and fit. Still slender -- she was a fine Siamese, with a long lean body, well set ears, wedge shaped head, dainty feet, and a whiplike tail. In spite of her advanced age, she had great color - a lovely lilac point.

Best was her temperament. She was truly people oriented, never happier than when she was either on my shoulder or in my lap. Not a "cat's cat, she did get along with the other girls - barely.

She was an older "supermodel", well aware of herself. At the same time, she was truly loving and very good company when I was "under the weather".

I will miss her -- a lot. My lap and shoulder are empty. No one is purring in my ear. No one is listening to my heart the way she did.

Goodbye Lilly -- I hope you meet your former owner at The Rainbow Bridge.